Character

From My Perspective - - -

What does it take to be a person whose character is beyond reproach? How long does it take for one’s character to become tainted? How much time will it take to repair one’s tainted character and to have trust and confidence regained? Is it possible to repair what has been besmirched? Can it ever fully take place? The Synonyms for the word “character” give a summary of what is meant by good character, namely: “the characteristics possessed by a person; especially moral qualities, ethical standards, principles; the distinctive qualities that make one recognizable as a person differentiated from others; the combination of outer and inner qualities that will determine the impression that a person makes upon others…”

One’s words, thoughts, deeds, behavior, associations, etc. must be guarded carefully because it takes only a moment of time to destroy that which has taken a lifetime to establish. For instance, (1) a person with ambitions to become the Republican nominee for President begins to gain some traction and moves into the lead of several polls; his popularity begins to soar; his fund-raising has increased dramatically – and then – word leaks out from “someone” regarding the possibility of inappropriate behavior approximately 15 years earlier that is deemed to be sexual harassment – nothing specific and no individual named – BUT – the character of the candidate is brought into question – AND – he begins to have to defend his character against the unidentified and the unspecified. What becomes lost here is that on the one hand there is alleged sexual harassment and on the other possible character assassination. (2) a person who has achieved what no one else has achieved – 46 years a Head Football Coach with more wins than any other coach – is now suddenly and unceremoniously fired as the Head Coach. Why? It is alleged that an Assistant Coach 12-15 years ago began to be involved in inappropriate behavior with young boys and was reportedly observed as having raped one of them. Once this “news” begins to be circulated, the Head Coach – a man of character and reputation for most of his 84 years – becomes culpable because – once he learned of this alleged act - he did not report it to the police.

In Proverbs 22:1 (NLT), “Choose a good reputation over great riches, for being held in high esteem is better than having silver or gold.” The Message Translation: “A sterling reputation is better than striking it rich; a gracious spirit is better than money in the bank.” When Paul was instructing Timothy in terms of commitment and character, he wrote in I Timothy 1:18-19, “This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith…” In this instance, Good Character means having a strong faith in God and His Word and a Clear Conscience as every effort is made to live consistently and obediently to his calling and conviction.

Paul states the Qualifications for an Overseer in the Church in I Timothy 3:1-7, “The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.” Verse 2 in the New Living Translation states: “He must be a man whose life cannot be spoken against. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exhibit self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation.” Paul wanted the godly man to know the stakes are very high. It takes a lifetime to develop character – but – it takes just a moment for one’s character to become personally tainted, as well as bringing reproach to the name of Christ and His Church. In I Peter 2:12-22, Peter wrote about the need to “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God^...” Can you do it? Will you? Consider these things with me!